Folding top extension table



A. NOVlCK FOLDING TOP EXTENSION TABLE July 8, 1952 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 20. 1947 nvvmron July 8, 1952 A. NOVICK FOLDING TOP EXTENSION TABLE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 20, 194'? NVENTOR.

y 3, 1952 A. NOVICK 2,602,717

FOLDING TOP EXTENSION TABLE Filed Oct. 20, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 IN V EN TOR.

Patented July 8, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FOLDING TOP EXTENSION TABL Arnold Novick, Boston, Mass. Application October 20, 1947, Serial No. 780,943 (o1. 3116'7) 9 Claims.

This invention relates to an extension table, particularly to a so-called console table.

The principal object of my invention is to provide an improved extension table consisting of two top parts only, one of which may serve as a raised back whenleaning against a wall or may lie on theother part as when my table is used for playing cards said two parts being adapted to slide apart to permit the insertion of extra leaves. V

Another object is to provide simple and rela-- tively inexpensive mechanism for said table that dispenses with the extra top part commonly used in this type of table and yet provides an effective way of moving the two top parts to the various positions desired.

- The foregoing and other objects which will appear as the nature of theinvention is better understood, may be accomplished by a construction, combination and operative arrangement of parts such as is disclosed by the drawings and specification. The nature of the invention is such as to render it susceptible to various changes and modifications, and, therefore, I am not to be limited to said disclosure; but am entitled to all-such changes therefrom as fall within the scope of my claims.

In the drawings: 7

Figure 1 is a perspective view of my extension table with the top parts in folded position, the dash lines showing a top part partly raised.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary top plan view of my. table with the two top parts in extended position providing a space between them to take extra leaves, and with the hingestrap extension portion in position to be locked to a supporting guide member.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary top plan view simila to Figure 2; but on a larger scale, and showing only one section of my table.

Figures 4, 5, 6 and '7 are sectional views taken on the lines --l, -5, i-Eand 7-1 respectively of Figure 3. v

Figure 8 is an enlarged, detail top planview of my'hinge. V

Figure 9 is an enlarged, side elevational view of my hinge and two guide pins connected'thereto, showing said hinge in its position when the rear top part of my table is upright, the dash lines indicating its position when said rear top part is on a level with the front top part. I

Figure 10 is an enlarged, elevational view of my hinge and two guide pins connected thereto when the two top parts are on a level.

Figure 11 is a fragmentary, top plan view showing only one section of my table and a modified means of connecting the hinge to a slide member.

Figures 12 and 13 are sectional views on the lines l2l2 and l3-I3 respectively of Figure 11.

As illustrated, my table is in two main sections, a front one In and a rear one I I. Said section It has a top part I2, below which, at opposite sides, are side members It and a front member i8.

Two legs 26 at the front corners of said table" section It support it. The rear edge of said .top part l2 has two grooves 2! therein to accommodate parts of hinges later'described.

Said front section H] has the usual set of extension slides 22 at each side, the slides in each set being grooved and tongued and slidably associated together in the well-known way. Part of each said slide set 22 consists of an anchor member 2;; that is screwed as at 26 to the under side of said front top part i2.

Aleg mounting member 31] is screwed as at 32 to the underside of an intermediate slide member 22a. Two folding legs 35 provide intermediate support. for my table when extended, being attached to said mounting member 30 by well known brackets 36 that permit folding of said legs and which are screwed as at 38 to said mounting member 3%.

Said rear section H has a top part 42 which may extend level with said top part IE, or be turned over and rest upon it, or be moved to upright position and serve as a back when leaning against a wall for the table. This top part 42 is guided and supported by apparatus which has downwardly depending side members 43 at opposite sides of and below said top part 42, and a rear member 45 downwardly depending from said top part 42. Attached to said side members 43 and M and rear member 45 are downwardly extending legs 46. Diagonally extending cross bars reinforce and connect said members 43, and 44, 45.

Each of said side members it has at the inside surface a supporting guide block 58 attached thereto, which block extends in a front to rearward direction, preferably slanting upwardly about of an inch in a rearward direction, or upwardly away from said top part 12, although the extent of the slant may vary. This slant allows for a hinge, later described, which requires space at the forward end of a said block 56, hence said slant keeps said top part #2 level or even with said top part l2. There are slide connecting members (it one each of which is attached to the under part of said top. part 42 and to a said guide block 56. Each has a tongue 62 which enters a groove in a said extension slide 22, thus maintaining a slide connection between said two sections it) and II.

Two hinges 6d, each of which has a short attaching leaf or strap 66, which attaching straps are screwed as at 68 to cut-out or grooved portions 69 of the front edge of said table top part 42. Said hinge attaching strap 66 has two looped-over portions that are offset to provide.

tubular portions 70 offset from the adjoining portions and which receive a connecting pin H. Said hinge 64 has a larger strap portion 12 consisting of a relatively short part Ma and a larger part or extension portion 121) at substantially a right angle to said short part 12a and extending approximately horizontally. Said short part 12a has a looped portion providing a tubular portion 73 the hole in which is directly above an centered with respect to said short part 12a. This tubular portion I3 fits between said tubular portions 10, so said connecting hinge pin H extends through the three of them. Said'tubular portions 70 and I3 partly extend into said grooved portions 69 and partly into said grooved portions 2 I hence they are not visible when said top parts [2 and 42 are close to each other.

Said hinge extension portion 12b has two holes 75 therein, one to receive a relatively short guide pin 16 nearest the free end of said hinge large par't'i'2b and the other hole to receive a relatively long guide pin 1! located farther inwardly from said free end. This latter pin is longer to avoid binding when top part 42 is removed onto top part 12. These pins 16 and T1 are securely fastened to said extension portion 72b.

' Said guide pins 16 and Ti have heads 16a and Ha and shoulders 16b and 11b respectively to keep said pins in predetermined positions. Their upper ends are peened over to keep them from passing through said holes 15.

Said hinge'extension portion 121) also has a locking hole 19 to receive a locking pin later described.

A guide slot 80 is made in said guide block 56. It extends lengthwise of and along the top of each said supporting guide block 55 in which slot 80 said guide pin heads 16a and 71a move. Also a locking hole 82, later referred to, extends directly below said slot 80 and is in alinement with said hinge locking hole 19 when said hinge is in looking position.

I'wo guide plates 84, spaced laterally apart, are screwed to the top surface of said guide block 56 in each instance, and extend lengthwise of it, the space 86 between them being directly above said guide slot 80. These guide plates 84 serve as guide rails, and in said slot 80, and between them in said space 86, said guide pins 16 and 11 move, with their heads 16a and Ha below said plates 84. Said guide pins. l6 and H are freely movable in said slots 80 in a vertical direction so that said hinge extension portions 121) may move up and down as said top part 42 is moved to different positions, since they are too large to pass through said space 86. Said hinge extension portion 12b slides on said guide plates 84 as said top part 42 is moved from open to closed position and vice versa.

, A locking pin 88 is adapted to enter said looking holes 10 and 82 to prevent further movement of said hinge 64 relative to said guide block 56, once said top part 42 is moved away from said top part I2 to the desired position. A chain 90 is attached to said pin'SS and to a screw eye 92 in said slide connecting member 60. Also a staple 93 projecting from the front end of said supporting block 56 will retain said locking pin 88 in a position convenient for use when not in looking position.

A holding rod 95 is spaced from and extends above and across said hinge extension portion 12b, entering the side of said slide connecting member 60 at one end and into a side member 43 or 44 at the other end. This holding rod 95 prevents the top part 42 from raising upwardly should one lean on the rear end portion of said top part 42. Since some movement upwardly of said hinge extension 12 is necessary, as said top part 42 is moved about, a space between the top of said hinge part 12 and said holding rod 95 is provided.

In operation, starting from a position in which said top part 42 extends upright at an angle to said top part I2 and thus serves as a back for the table, said top part 42 may be moved over onto said top part l2 to provide a compact table on which to play cards or the like. In this position said hinge extension 721) is spaced above said guide plates 84 whereas when said top part 42 was upright said hinge extension rests said guide plates84.

To use said top parts [2 and 42 as a continuous top and level with each other, or to position them to insert extra topleaves, I first draw said supporting apparatus for said top part 42 rearwardly outward by pulling on said rear member 45. Said apparatus provides sufficient support for top part 42 when said hinge short part 12a comes into contact with said holding rod 95.

If saidtop parts l2 and 42 are to be separated then said top part 42 and hinges 64, which move together, may then be locked against further movement relative to said supporting block 56 and guide plates 84 by inserting said locking pins 88 into said holes 19 and 82 that are respectively in said hinge extension portions and said supporting blocks, which holes are in alinement when said hinge short part 1219 is in contact with said holding rod 95. The said top part [2 may be drawn away from said top part 42 to provide space between them for inserting extra top leaves. The usual arrangement of slides 22 permits this extensible movement. Said intermediate legs 34 may be moved downwardly to the floor for extra leg support when said top I2 is extended.

To close the table top parts l2 and 42 said looking pins are removed from said holes and the top parts l2 and 42 are pushed together whereupon said supporting apparatus for said top part 42 is pushed under said top part 12 and said top part 42 is moved to upright position to serve as a back or laid on said top part l2 to serve as a small table.

In Figures 11, 12 and 13 a modified form of my invention is shown in which the supporting guide blocks and associated guide parts are eliminated, although the same said hinges 64 are used. Said hinge attaching straps 66 are screwed as at 60, as heretofore described, to the front edge of said top part 42. Said hinge extension portion 12b is loosely screwed as at l0! so as to allow it some play, to a sliding member 100 that is part of said sion portion 12b is preferably attached to a said sliding member I00 that is in an intermediate position in said slide set, with other sliding members on opposite sides of it.

What I claim is:

1. An extension table comprising tWo main sections each embodying a top part, extension slide means embodying a plurality of slide members movably connecting said two sections, one said section having supporting apparatus embodying guide means comprising two supporting guide members having slots therein and connected to said slide means, hinges each embodying a strap attached to an end edge of the said top part of the latter-mentioned section and another strap a portion of'which is opposite said end edge, means pivotally connecting said two straps, said other strap embodying an extension portion extending angularly from the first-mentioned portion of said other strap, and connecting members slidable in said slots connecting said hinge extension portions to the top of said guide members.

2. An extension table comp-rising two main sections each embodying a top part, extension slide means embodying a plurality of slide members movably connecting said two sections, one said section having supporting apparatus embodyingtwo supporting guide members having a slot in the upper portion therein, slide connecting members fixed to said supporting guide members and connected to said extension slide means, hinges each embodying a strap attached to an end edge of thesaid top part of the latter-mentioned section, and another strap a portion of which is opposite said end edge, means pivotally connecting said two straps, said other strap embodying an extension portion extending angularly from the first-mentioned portion of said other strap, a pair of guide plates attached to a said supporting guide member and another pair of guide plates attached to the other said supporting guide member, said guide plates of each pair being spaced laterally apart to leave a space above said guide member slot, members slidably retained in said slots portions of which'membe'rs are connected to and extend through and are retained above said hinge extension portions, said hinge extension portions-being slidable upon said guide plates.

3. An'extension table comprising two main sections each embodying a top part, extension slide means embodying a plurality of slide members movably connecting said two sections, one said section having supporting apparatus embodying two supporting guide members slanting rearwardly upward and having a slot in the upper portion therein, slide connecting members fixed to said supporting guide members and connected to said extensionslide means, hinges each embodying a strap attached to an end edge of the said top part of the latter-mentioned section and another strap, means movably connecting said first-mentioned strap and said other strap, the latter strap embodying an extension portion extending angularly from the first-mentioned portion of said other strap, a pair of guide plates attached to'a said supporting guide member and another pair of guide plates attached to the other said supporting guide member, said guide plates of each pair being spaced laterally apart to leave a space above said guide member slot, members slidably retained in said slots portions of which members are connected to and extend, through and are retained above said hinge extension portions, said hinge extension portions being slidable upon said guide plates,

4. An extension table comprising two main sections each embodying a top part, extension slide means embodying a plurality of slide members movably connecting said two sections, one said section having supporting apparatus embodying two sup-porting guide members slanting rearwardly upward and having a slot in the upper portion therein, slide connecting members fixed to said supporting guide members and connected to said extension slide means, hinges each embodying a strap attached to an end edge of the top part of the latter-mentioned section, and another strap movably connected to said first-mentioned strap and embodying an extension portion extending angularly from the adjoining portion of said other strap,1'a pair of suigepl s ttached to a said supporting guide member and anotherpair of guide plates-attached to the other said supporting guide member, said guide plates of each pair being spaced laterally; apart .to leave a space above said guide member slot, members slidably retained in said slots portions of which members are connected to and extend through and are retained above said hinge extension portions, said hinge extension portions beingslidable upon said guide plates, said hinge extension portions having a locking hole therein and saidguide members having a locking hole therein directly below said slot, said locking holes being so positioned that they are-in alinement when said extension portions and guide members are in" a predetermined position, and a locking member adapted to extend into said locking holes.

5. An extension table comprising two main sections each embodying a top part, extension slide means embodying'a plurality of slide members movably connecting said two sections, one said section having supporting apparatus embodying two supporting guide ,members slanting rear wardly upward and having a slot in the upper portion therein, slide connecting members fixed to said supporting guide members and connected to said extension slide means, hinges each em-.- bodying astrap attached to an end edge of the top part of thelatter-mentioned section, and another strap movably connected to said first-mentioned strap vandembodying an extension portion extending angularly from the adjoining portion of said other strap, a pair of guide plates attached to a said supporting. guide member and another pair of guide plates attached to the other said supporting guide member, said guide plates of each pair being spaced laterally apart to leave a space above said guide member slot, members slidably retained in said slots portions of which members are connected to and extend through and are retained above said hinge extension portions, said hinge extension portions being slidable upon said guide plates, said hinge extension portions having a locking hole therein and said guide members having a lockinghole therein directly below said slot, said locking holes beingso positioned that they are in alinement when said extension portions and guide members are in a predetermined position, and a locking member adapted to extendinto said locking holes, and holding rods directly above said hinge extension portions extending into parts ofsaid supporting apparatus and said slide connecting members.

6. An extension table comprising two main sections each embodying a top part, extension slide means embodying a plurality of slide members movably connecting said two sections, one said section embodying supporting apparatus embodying two supporting-"guide members and having a slot in the upper portion therein, slide connecting members fixed to said supporting guide members and connected to said extension slide means, hinges each embodying a strap attached to an end edge of the top part of the latter-mentioned section, each said strap embodying two tubular portions, said hinges each embodying another strap having a tubular portion and having an extension portion extending at an angle from the adjoining strap portion thereof, a pin member extending through all said tubular portions and hingedly connecting said straps, said top parts having recesses in their edges thatareopposite each other into which said hinge tubular portions extend when said top part edges are close to each other, two guide plates attached to a. said supporting guide member and two guide plates attached to the other said supporting guide member, said guide plates of each pair being spaced laterally apart above said guide member slot, pin members slidable in said slots, portions of which pin members are retained in said guide member slots and portions of which extend through and terminate and are retained above said hinge extension portions, said hinge extension portions being slidable upon said guide plates.

7. A'n extension table comprising two main sections each embodying a top part, extension slide means embodying a plurality of slide members movably connecting said two sections, one said. section embodying supporting apparatus embodying two supporting guide members and having a slot in the upper portion therein, slide connecting members fixed to said supporting guide members and connected to said extension slide means, hinges each embodyin a strap attached to an end edge of the top part of the latter-mentioned section, each said strap embodying two tubular portions which are offset from the adjoining strap portion thereof, said hinges each embodying another strap having a tubular portion directly over the adjacent portion thereof and having an extension portion extending at an angle from the adjoining strap portion thereof, a pin member extending through all said 'tubular portions and hingedly connecting said straps, said top parts having recesses in their edges that are opposite each other into which said hinge tubular portions extend when said top part edges are close to each other, two guide plates attached to a said supporting guide member and two guide plates attached to the other said supporting guide member, said guide plates of each pair being spaced laterally apart above said guide member slot, pin members slidable in said slots, portions of which pin members are retained in said guide member slots and portions of which extend'through and terminate and are retained above said hinge extension portions, said hinge extension portions being slidable upon said guide plates.

8. An extension table comprising two main sections each embodying a top part, extension slide means embodying a plurality of slide members movably connecting said two sections, one said section embodying supporting apparatus embodying two downwardly depending members and two supporting guide members attached thereto and slanting rearwardly upward and having a slot in the upper portion therein, slide connecting members fixed to said supporting guide members and connected to said extension slide means, hinges each embodying a strap attached to an end edgeof the top part of the latter-mentioned section, each said strap embodying two tubular portions which are oiTset from the adjoining strap portion thereof, said hinges each embodying another strap having a tubular portion directly over the adjacent portion thereof and having an extension portion extending at an angle from the adjoining strap portion thereof, a pin member extending through all said tubular portions and hingedly connecting said straps, said top part having recesses in their end edges that are opposite each other into which said hinge tubular portions extend when guide plates attached to a said supporting guide member and two guide plates attached to the other said supporting guide member, said guide plates of each pair being spaced laterally apart above said guide member slot, pin members slidable in said slots, portions of which pin mem bers are retained in said guide member slots and portions of which extend through and terminate and are retained above said hinge extension portions, said hinge extension portion being slidable upon said guide plates, and holding members directly above said hinge extension portions extending into parts of said supporting appara tus and said slide connecting members.

9. An extension table comprising two main sections each embodying a top part, extension slide means embodying a plurality of slide members movably connecting said two sections, one said section embodying supporting apparatus embodying two supporting guide members slanting rearwardly upward and having a slot in the upper portion therein, slide connecting members fixed to said supporting guide members and connected to said extension slide means, hinges each embodying a strap attached to an end edge of the top part of the latter-mentioned section, each said strap embodying two tubular portions, said hinges each embodying another strap having a tubular portion and having an extension portion extending at an angle from the adjoining strap portion thereof, a pin member extending through all said tubular portions and hingedly connecting said straps, said top parts having recesses in their edges that are opposite each other into which said hinge tubular portions extend when said top part edges are close to each other, two guide plates attached to a said supporting guide member and two guide plates attached to the other said supporting guide member, said guide plates of each pair being spaced laterally apart above said guide member slot, pin members slidable in said slots, portions of which pin members are retained in said guide member slots and portions of which extend through and terminate and are retained above said hinge extension portions, said hinge extension portions being slidable upon said guide REFEREN C ES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 615,048 Rottman I. Nov. 29, 1898 927,911 Wettergren July 13, 1909 1,096,374 Jones May 12, 1914 1,099,780 Weeks June 9, 1914 1,594,572 Soltesz Aug. 3, 1926 1,997,182 Peck Apr. 9, 1935 2,153,262 McFall Apr. 4, 1939 2,184,976 McFall Dec. 26, 1939 2,253,010 Barret Aug. 19, 1941 2,316,448 McFall Apr. 13, 1943 

